hsm-2-No. 12, June 17, 2 a. m., from Bordeaux
 
unacceptability made manifest to the French people.  This would give them courage to continue
the "moral struggle"; the military battle was over. As to the fleet he assured me formally that it
would never be surrendered to Germany; as guarantee Admiral Darlan whose views he said are
well known ont his subject had been named Minister of Marine.  (His appointment to the post is I
feel largely for the purpose of reassuring the British and ourselves.  The Admiral's new
government associates hardly inspire complete (*) that the French fleet will remain a bulwark
against Nazi aggression.)
     He concluded with repeated assurances of the cardinal policy and ardent desire of the new
government to continue the closest collaboration with the British and ourselves.  "Nothing" he
said in conclusion, "has changed"--a viewpoint with which many of the sons of France will take
serious issue; they will agree with Reynaud's remark to me "The new government will dare
nothing".
                                   -BIDDLE
 
CSB